What is the style of your photography?
The style of my photography is vivid, clean, and intentional. I like to use a narrow depth of field (blurry backgrounds), multiple lenses, and natural light. I avoid flash photography whenever possible, and I also avoid using techniques that will look dated in the future.
While shooting a wedding, I believe in a balance between capturing real moments and using subtle direction (when appropriate) that will positively increase the quality of the images. I believe in taking a lot of candid and fun photographs to fully represent the tone of the wedding. My background in scenic and nature photography has also given me the tools to see small details otherwise overlooked at an event.
Every photographer has a different artistic style. Please take a moment to go through some of my work to determine if my style fits what you are looking for. If it does, I’d love to meet you to discuss your wedding further. If it doesn’t, please contact me anyway as I know many other photographers and would love to help you find someone that will be perfect for you.
Do you use film or digital photography?
I shoot 100% digital. I love film, and have spent many years developing my own film and working in dark rooms. However, the type of photographs I would like to produce from a wedding requires a level of post-production and editing techniques not easily available to film shooters. To make a long story short, with today’s technology, I can deliver a far better product for less money with digital photography than with film and also provide you with the flexibility of digital proofs that will not degrade over time.
Do you shoot in color or black and white?
Since I shoot in digital, all images are initially captured in color. However, selected images can and will be converted to black and white during the post-production process. The final images delivered to you will be mostly color, with several artistic and black and white images included.
What kind of equipment will you bring with you?
I will bring a large rolling camera case that includes at least two cameras, around eight to ten different lenses, lights, filters, batteries etc. Depending on the event, I may also bring several other useful tools such as reflectors, stepladders, tri-pods, light stands, and props. For those of you who know camera equipment, here is a detailed list of my kit:
- Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark III
- Camera: Canon EOS 5D Mark II (Backup)
- Lens: Canon EF 14mm f/2.8L II USM
- Lens: Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM
- Lens: Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM
- Lens: Canon EF 50mm f/2.5 Compact Macro
- Lens: Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM
- Lens: Canon EF 100mm f/2.8L Macro IS USM
- Lens: Canon EF 135mm f/2L USM
- Lens: Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM
- Lens: Canon Extender EF 2x III
- Lighting: Canon 600EX-RT Flashes with Radio Transmitters
Do you have backup equipment with you?
Yes, I bring backup equipment with me to my shoots. I have extra cameras, batteries, digital storage cards, and lights.
My ceremony site does not allow flash photography. Is going to be an issue?
This will not be an issue. I have special equipment designed to work in low-light environments. In fact, my preference is to use natural light over flash photography for a more realistic feel during the ceremony. Even if flash photography was allowed, I would still most likely use natural light instead.
Can we give you a list of specific shots we would like?
Please do. If there are any unique photographs, events, or guests you would like me to take pictures of I would love to know before the wedding day. You should however, assume that I will take care of the most common photographs such as cake cutting, bouquet toss, first kiss, etc.
How many pictures will we get from our wedding?
For a typical wedding, I deliver between 100-150 images for each hour of shooting. For an eight (8) hour weddings, you should expect around 1000 images.
How can our guests get copies of the pictures you take?
All of your final wedding pictures will be posted online at a unique location made specifically for your event. Guests and other friends can view, make comments, and purchase prints directly from the site. Purchased prints are mailed directly to their door using the highest quality photographic printing available.
Do we get a copy of the digital pictures?
Absolutely, all of my wedding packages currently include a copy of your digital images free of charge. In today’s digital world, owning the digital copies of your images is a great value and I recognize that.
Do you put a watermark on the pictures you deliver?
No. All images are delivered to you without any stamp or watermark to allow for the greatest flexibility in printing. The only exception is for online proofing and/or any pictures I use for promotional purposes.
How many years have you been shooting weddings?
Six (6) years. I studied photography in college from 2001 to 2003. From 2003 to 2004 I fell in love with black & white film photography and shot mostly nature and scenic images. I shot my first wedding in 2005 and loved it. I started my own business shortly after that specializing in wedding and portrait photography.
Is photography your primary career?
No. I have a college degree in Biological Sciences and currently work Monday to Friday as a manager in the field of pharmaceutical research and development. Photography is a passion of mine and I am fortunate to have found a way to do both. It should be noted that this type of situation may not be ideal for some clients. The primary disadvantage to having a “day job” is that I may not be available during the week to fully give my clients the attention they need or deserve. The primary advantage however is that this is not just a job for me (I already have one of those), this is something I truly love to do, and I don’t mind spending my spare time doing it. Also, because this is not my primary source of income, I work for significantly less than a studio photographer who has to pay for the overhead of a full-time studio.
How many other weddings will you be photographing the week of our wedding?
Since photography is my second job, I limit myself to a maximum of two (2) weddings per month and Twelve (12) weddings per year. The intention of this limit is to give my clients all the attention they deserve and to make sure that I never run the risk of burning out and not enjoying every second that I am working for you. So far, this limit has proven to work perfect for me. I remain extremely passionate about photography, and feel that I have succeeded in providing my clients with superior and professional customer service, high quality images, and quick turn-around times.